COMMENTARY: Why I'm thankful for Savannah

During this time of year, people are getting into the “holiday spirit.” Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and Christmas is just around the corner. Normally, families get together during those holidays, and much food is consumed.

Personally, I know I can’t wait to get to my parents’ house and pretty much eat ‘til I get dirty.

As I was beginning to write this column, I started wondering and thinking about the things and people I am most thankful for. I started thinking about how these people have affected my life and how they have aided in helping me grow as a person.

Although I am always thankful for my family, the people to whom I am referring right now, aren’t related to me by blood. Honestly, most of them I have never met personally. Who are these people?

They are you. The citizens of Savannah.

When I started writing this column five and a half years ago, I had no idea I would still be writing it five and a half years later. Actually, I just thought my one column, my one tirade about the death of my student, would be my first and last time sending any correspondence to a newspaper. But I was wrong.

And I am glad I was.

Throughout this process, through all my rantings and ravings, when I have sat in front of my computer and written what was on my mind and in my heart, you have been there for me. I have received many, many emails from readers of this column, and although I am running a tad behind on answering them (but I will, I promise), I try my best to respond to each and every one.

I am thankful for all of the words of encouragement I have received over the years. And yes, I’m even grateful for all the emails from those who pretty much wish my fingers would break so I can no longer type. With each email, the nice ones, and the not so nice ones, I have gained a better insight into the way people think, and I have also had to reassess the way I think at times. I have learned from you, and I have realized that although we may not share the same political views or think the same about a myriad of issues, we are still more alike than we are different.

For those who have shared with me your personal stories of heartbreak, love, loss and triumph, I say thank you. Your words will stay with me for the rest of my life. And just in case anyone is wondering, and for some wishing, if this is a good-bye column, it is not. It is just as I stated. It’s my way of expressing my thanks to all of you, something that is long overdue.

So, during this time of giving thanks, I want all of you to know how much I appreciate you and how thankful I am that my first column was written in Savannah. I have no idea where my writing journey is going to take me, but the one thing I do know is that wherever I may go, Savannah, Ga., will always be on my mind.

Geveryl Robinson, formerly of Savannah, lives and writes in Atlanta. Email her at geveryl@gmail.com.

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